Removal of old Kapooka Bridge to start this weekend

17 August 2017

Roads and Maritime Services will start work this weekend to remove the old Kapooka Bridge across the main Sydney-Melbourne railway line.

Member for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire MP said work to remove the old bridge, which was built in 1880, would start on Saturday 19 August and was not expected to impact traffic using the Olympic Highway.

“For safety reasons, members of the community are asked to asked to avoid attempting to stop and watch the bridge removal work as there will be no viewing platform and the project site has restricted access. A live feed will be available for viewing,” Mr Maguire said.

“The removal of the old Kapooka Bridge is part of the $55 million joint Australian and NSW funded Bridges for the Bush project which involved building a new bridge capable of handling higher productivity vehicles on a new alignment of the Olympic Highway.

“The new Kapooka Bridge officially opened to traffic on 14 June last year.

“Bridge and Civil Pty Ltd, on behalf of Roads and Maritime, will use two large excavators on both sides of the bridge to remove the brick arch structure.

“Work will be carried out 24 hours a day, with crews working 12 hour shifts and carrying out noisy activities during the day to reduce the impact on the surrounding community.

“Motorists should plan their trip, allow extra travel time and follow the direction of traffic control and all signs, including reduced speed limits of 60 km/h past the Olympic Highway site.

“Train operations will be suspended while work is carried out in the rail corridor.

“As no viewing platforms will be available due to site restrictions, members of the public are asked to stay away from the old bridge and watch a live feed of the removal work from the comfort of their own homes from 8am on Saturday and 3am on Sunday at http://rms.work/kapookabridgelive

“Work to remove the bridge is expected to be completed on Monday 21 August,” Mr Maguire said.

Roads and Maritime thanks the community and stakeholders for their patience while work is carried out